Marathon anglers defended their home waters in the fifth annual Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament on April 17 and 18, earning top finishes on both individual and team podiums.
Fishing with Team Reel Locos, angler Paula Hart of Key Colony Beach marked three successful releases on day two of the tournament to capture the Top Female Angler Honors. Captained by Jordan Leake with co-captain Vanessa Kopelakis with mates Cam Null and Sean Marrero, Hart was cheered on by her teammates Rich Malafy and Zack Sayer with MCSO Sheriff Rick Ramsay and captain Lissette Quintero.
With nine successful releases over two days of fishing, Team Rhumline – Land & Sea Market finished as the second overall boat. Team members included captain Todd Picariello, mate Kyle Bohanan and anglers Matthew Sexton, Luca Picariello and Danny Hampson.
The younger Picariello went home with plenty of his own individual hardware, as Luca logged five successful releases to finish as the top overall male angler and repeat his 2025 title as the tournament’s top junior angler.
Another Marathon gang on Team Headin’ South earned third place overall with eight releases. Team members included captain Marty Lewis, mate Robbie Hiro and anglers JW Drott, Mark Busch, Danny Lombardo, Ben Zdan and Ariel Medero.
The two-day 2026 tournament broke records for both fish caught (76) and total anglers (100) on 18 boats. The sixth annual event will return on April 15-17, 2027.
